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“Yep. Even that. I think my gran figures this is the only time she’ll see me get married and doesn’t want to miss it.”
That was sad.
“Maybe it’s a good thing. Especially since they know what’s going on.”
“Great. The family is excited to welcome you into our midst.”
I felt like a feather, as if I were weightless. “That’s incredibly sweet.”
“I think they’ve planned to do that ever since we lost Jim and Nora, but now even more so.”
“I’m touched, Nick.” I really was. That his family would support a virtual stranger warmed me all over. “Is anyone else coming from your side?”
“No. Yours?”
“Not sure. I told my parents, but they’re too frail to travel.” I bit the inside of my cheek. “I’ve told two of my friends about the wedding—not the truth, of course—but honestly, I’m not even sure I want them there. It’s weird, you know? All of them sort of went radio silent once I started caring for the twins anyway.”
I’d become very discernible with my friendships after losing Nora. Two people who I’d thought were my dearest, best friends had texted me a few times to coax me into going out clubbing. I told them that it wasn’t really possible for the foreseeable future but asked them to come over for a movie night. They told me that was boring. So much for that.
I had other friends, of course—I’d been living in Boston for close to six years now—but I didn’t want them involved at this stage of my life.
“Sophie and Bob will want to come. My plan is to drop them an email about three days before just to annoy them.”
Nick laughed. “You’re smart. I love that.”
“I feel like we’re in a movie or something. Like none of it is real. You?” I had to know that I wasn’t alone feeling this way.
“The more I have to deal with city hall, the more real it becomes for me too. By the way, we need to talk about something else. I think I should move into your place before we actually sign any papers.”
“Oh, oh, of course. I didn’t even think about it.”
Just like that, I felt as if I’d been doused in a tub full of warm water. It was strangely hot between my thighs.
“Wait, I actually have to order a pull-out couch first. This one is... tiny.”
“I can just bring the one I have at the penthouse,” he offered.
“It turns into a bed? I thought you had a lot of bedrooms.”
“I do, but this one actually has a bed function, and I’ve just never used it. It’s a comfortable couch, so I’m assuming it’ll be a comfortable bed.”
“Will it fit in my living room?”
There was a pause. “I have no idea.”
I laughed. “Are you bringing any other furniture?”
“Nah. Makes no sense. You’ve got everything we need. “
“Except space,” I replied.
“There’s plenty of space. You know what? I’ll sleep on the couch you have now. If it’s uncomfortable, I’ll bring the one from the penthouse.”
“All right.”
This isn’t real. This isn’t real.I couldn’t shake off that feeling.
“So, right. You’re taking care of the marriage license. What should I take care of? Are we missing anything?”